KUALA LUMPUR: Women must make up at least 30% of candidates in the coming elections, says a Sabah Puteri Umno delegate.
Sabah Puteri Umno chief Ummi Nabilah Jamal said this was not just a figure but about fairness.
“This is not solely about opportunities but recognising women in leadership roles. We are the generation that grew up in crisis, tested with reality and taught to shine with solutions.
“We must be heard and not just seen,” she said when debating the president’s speech at the Umno general assembly on Saturday (Jan 17).
She added that calls for the 30% quota for women candidates in elections is not new, but constantly raised by the Wanita Umno wing.
“Women will succeed if given the opportunity and we have contributed immensely to the party,” she said.
Citing the recent Sabah elections, she said only one of the five women candidates contested had lost their deposits.
In comparison, she said 11 of the 40 male candidates lost their deposits.
“This proves that female candidates can win, if we receive unwavering support from both the division and state level,” she said.
She also urged for women candidates to contest in winnable seats, ensuring greater female participation in the administration.
According to her, this is crucial especially since more than half of the registered voters in Malaysia comprised women.
“Female candidates can attract their support more effectively as we understand family, women and future issues,” she said.
